Emile Griffith smiles after regaining his welterweight world championship title by defeating Luis Rodriguez in 1963. At right is Griffith's coach Gil Clancy. The International Boxing Hall of Fame says former world champion boxer Emile Griffith has died. He was 75. AP

This undated image provided by NBC Universal shows former welterweight boxing champion Emile Griffith striking a pose to promote the documentary film 'Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story.' Robert Maxell, AP

In this Oct. 18, 1969 file photo, challenger Emile Griffith, right, battles welterweight champion Jose Napoles in a title fight at the Forum in Los Angeles. Napoles successfully defended his title with a 15-round unanimous decision. AP

In this March 24, 1962 file photo, welterweight champion Benny Paret, in white trunks, smiles as he reads the weight of challenger and former champion Emile Griffith during the weigh-in for their title fight in New York. AP

In this Dec. 9, 1965 file photo, world welterweight boxing champion Emile Griffith relaxes by painting in his New York hotel room. AP

In this June 8, 1963 file photo, Emile Griffith is hoisted by handlers after a split decision victory over Luis Rodriguez, for the welterweight world championship at New Yorkís Madison Square Garden. AP